U.S. patent application number 11/724257 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-20 for printing via kickstart function.
This patent application is currently assigned to OCE-TECHNOLOGIES B.V.. Invention is credited to Jodocus F. Jager, Robertus C.W.T.M. Van Den Tillaart.
Application Number | 20070216947 11/724257 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37036824 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070216947 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jager; Jodocus F. ; et
al. |
September 20, 2007 |
Printing via kickstart function
Abstract
A method of controlling document processing in a networked
system and a digital image reproduction device for document
processing are described. The system has workstations for
submitting processing jobs of a user, and a memory unit that
manages the jobs that are waiting to be executed. The method
includes providing, at a user interface of the digital image
reproduction device, control elements for a user to select a
processing job from the processing jobs in a logical storage space;
and executing the selected processing job. Kickstart processing
jobs are selected, based on predetermined kickstart criteria, from
the processing jobs in the memory unit, and a corresponding set of
kickstart control elements is provided at the user interface, each
coupled to a respective one of the selected kickstart processing
jobs. When a kickstart control element is activated by a user, the
associated kickstart processing job is directly initiated.
Inventors: |
Jager; Jodocus F.;
(Nijmegen, NL) ; Van Den Tillaart; Robertus C.W.T.M.;
(Gemert, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Assignee: |
OCE-TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
|
Family ID: |
37036824 |
Appl. No.: |
11/724257 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/1204 20130101;
H04N 1/0035 20130101; H04N 1/00928 20130101; H04N 1/00477 20130101;
H04N 1/00501 20130101; G06F 3/1267 20130101; H04N 1/32 20130101;
H04N 1/4406 20130101; H04N 1/00954 20130101; G06F 3/1285 20130101;
H04N 1/00923 20130101; H04N 1/00915 20130101; H04N 1/00437
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.15 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 16, 2006 |
EP |
06111243.9 |
Claims
1. A method of controlling document processing in a networked
system, the system comprising at least one user workstation for
submitting processing jobs of a user; a memory unit that stores the
processing jobs, the memory unit being arranged to manage the
processing jobs in at least one logical storage space; and a
digital image reproduction device for document processing, the
digital image reproduction device being arranged so as not to
execute processing jobs of its own motion, and having a user
interface unit for controlling the processing jobs that are stored
in the logical storage space and waiting to be executed, said
method comprising the steps of: automatically selecting, based on
pre-defined kickstart criteria, at least one processing job from
the processing jobs in the memory unit, a selected processing job
further to be called a kickstart processing job; providing, at the
user interface unit, at least one kickstart control element;
indicating, at the user interface unit, for each kickstart control
element, a kickstart processing job coupled to the respective
kickstart control element; and initiating a kickstart processing
job in the digital image reproduction device in response to a user
activating the respective kickstart control element.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of initiating
the kickstart processing job further comprises at least one of the
following steps: accessing the logical storage space containing the
initiated kickstart processing job; executing the initiated
kickstart processing job; and deleting the initiated kickstart
processing job from the respective logical storage space.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the kickstart job is a
scan job and wherein the step of initiating the kickstart
processing job further comprises the steps of: executing the
initiated kickstart processing job; and storing a digital document
in a respective one of the logical storage spaces according to the
initiated kickstart processing job.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of initiating
the kickstart processing job further comprises the step of
identifying the user associated to the initiated kickstart
processing job based on a detection of a dedicated user feature,
and accessing the logical storage space and/or executing the
initiated kickstart processing job in accordance with rights of the
user as identified.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the step of
identifying the user associated to the initiated kickstart
processing job is based on requesting an identification code or
detecting a user tag.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory unit is
arranged for managing a dynamic set of logical storage spaces for
the processing jobs, each storage space dedicated to a respective
user of the system, and wherein the the user interface unit of each
image reproduction device includes control elements for a user to
open a logical storage space, select a processing job from the
processing jobs therein and for commanding execution of the
selected processing job, and the step of initiating the kickstart
processing job further comprises an automatic step of providing, at
the user interface, a mailbox interface for manipulating the
respective logical storage space containing the initiated kickstart
processing job.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of providing
a kickstart control element further comprises the step of
configuring said element to display a personal image of the user
who submitted the associated kickstart processing job.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of initiating
the kickstart processing job further comprises, when a further
processing job is being executed and in dependence of interrupt
criteria, any one of the steps of: interrupting the further
processing job that is being executed, executing the initiated
kickstart processing job, and continuing the further processing
job; executing the initiated kickstart processing job in an
interleaved mode with the further processing job that is being
executed; and inserting the initiated kickstart processing job in a
queue of processing jobs waiting for execution, in a particular
case immediately after the further processing job that is being
executed.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of selecting
a kickstart processing job is based on age of the processing jobs
in the memory unit as kickstart criterion.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the step of providing
at least one kickstart control element further comprises a step of
providing a plurality of kickstart control elements arranged in
dependence of the age of the kickstart processing jobs coupled to
the respective kickstart control elements.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the step of
providing at least one kickstart control element further comprises
a step of removing a kickstart control element coupled to a
kickstart processing job when that job is to be replaced by a
different one according to the kickstart criteria by indicating
that replacement of the kickstart processing job is imminent.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, further comprising visually
indicating that replacement of the kickstart job is imminent, for
instance by gradually fading away of the kickstart control element;
gradually moving the kickstart control element across a border of a
display area; or gradually changing a color of the kickstart
control element.
13. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said steps of the
kickstart processing job initiation are user-configurable.
14. A digital image reproduction device for document processing for
use in a networked system, the system comprising at least one user
workstation for submitting processing jobs of a user; and a memory
unit that stores the processing jobs, the memory unit being
arranged to manage the processing jobs in at least one logical
storage space, the digital image reproduction device being arranged
so as not to execute processing jobs of its own motion and
comprising: a local user interface unit for controlling the
processing jobs that are stored in the logical storage space and
waiting to be executed; and a management unit arranged for:
automatically selecting, based on pre-defined kickstart criteria,
at least one processing job from the processing jobs in the memory
unit, a selected processing job further to be called a kickstart
processing job; providing, at the user interface unit, at least one
kickstart control element; indicating, at the user interface unit,
for each kickstart control element, a kickstart processing job
coupled to the respective kickstart control element; and initiating
a kickstart processing job in the digital image reproduction device
in response to a user activating the respective kickstart control
element.
15. The digital image reproduction device as claimed in claim 14,
wherein the device comprises at least part of the memory unit.
16. The digital image reproduction device as claimed in claim 14,
wherein the management unit is arranged for using age of processing
jobs in the memory unit as a kickstart criterion.
17. The digital image reproduction device as claimed in claim 14,
wherein the management unit is arranged for including a personal
image of a user who submitted a processing job, in a kickstart
control element coupled to that processing job.
18. The digital image reproduction device as claimed in claim 14,
further comprising a printer unit, and the management unit is
arranged for detecting a print job in the initiated kickstart
processing job and executing the print job via the printer
unit.
19. The digital image reproduction device as claimed in claim 14,
further comprising a scanner unit, and the management unit is
arranged for detecting a scan job in the initiated kickstart
processing job and executing the scan job by scanning a physical
document entered in the scanner unit and storing the image file
generated in the scanning in the logical storage space according to
the initiated kickstart processing job.
20. A computer program product embodied on a computer readable
medium for performing a method of controlling document processing
in a networked system, the system comprising at least one user
workstation for submitting processing jobs of a user; a memory unit
for storing the processing jobs, the memory unit being arranged for
managing the processing jobs in at least one logical storage space;
and a digital image reproduction device for document processing,
the digital image reproduction device being arranged so as not to
execute processing jobs of its own motion, and having a user
interface unit for controlling the processing jobs that are stored
in the logical storage space and waiting to be executed, said
computer program product being operative to cause a processor to
perform the steps of: automatically selecting, based on pre-defined
kickstart criteria, at least one processing job from the processing
jobs in the memory unit, a selected processing job further to be
called a kickstart processing job; providing, at the user interface
unit, at least one kickstart control element; indicating, at the
user interface unit, for each kickstart control element, a
kickstart processing job coupled to the respective kickstart
control element; and initiating a kickstart processing job in the
digital image reproduction device in response to a user activating
the respective kickstart control element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(a) on Patent Application No. 06111243.9, filed in
the European Patent Office on Mar. 16, 2007, the entirety of which
is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a method of controlling
document processing in a networked system, the system comprising at
least one user workstation for submitting processing jobs of a
user, a memory unit that stores the processing jobs, the memory
unit being arranged to manage the processing jobs in at least one
logical storage space, and a digital image reproduction device for
document processing. The digital image reproduction device has a
user interface unit that controls the processing jobs that are
stored in the logical storage space and waiting to be executed. The
method comprises providing, at the user interface unit, control
elements for a user to select a processing job from the processing
jobs in the logical storage space, and executing the selected
processing job by processing documents in the digital image
reproduction device.
[0004] The present invention further relates to a digital image
reproduction device for document processing for use in the
networked system, the digital image reproduction device having a
user interface unit that controls the processing jobs that are
stored in the logical storage space and waiting to be executed; and
a management unit arranged for providing, at the user interface
unit, control elements for a user to select a processing job from
the processing jobs in the logical storage space, and executing the
selected processing job by processing documents in the digital
image reproduction device.
[0005] The present invention further relates to a computer program
product that implements the present invention.
[0006] 2. Description of Background Art
[0007] A method of controlling document processing in a networked
system is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,545,769. The system includes a
digital image reproduction apparatus (e.g. a printer), at least one
workstation for a user for processing digital documents, and a
network for connecting the digital image reproduction apparatus and
the workstation. The digital image reproduction apparatus includes
a scanner unit, a printer unit, and a user interface integrated in
the apparatus, a network connection unit for coupling to the
network for the purpose of communication with a digital environment
including at least a number of the workstations of users and a
memory unit. The user interface is provided with an input device
and a display for the user to give operator control commands to the
apparatus. On the user workstation, a user may generate a
processing job, e.g. a print job, which is submitted via the
network to the digital image reproduction device. The job is
waiting for execution and must be activated at the digital image
reproduction device via its user interface. The memory unit
maintains a dynamic set of logical storage spaces in a memory, each
logical storage space allocated to a specific user. The logical
storage space of a user stores the processing print jobs waiting to
be executed. The management unit, when receiving from a user's
workstation a digital data file for printing, stores the job in the
logic storage space of the relevant user (or dynamically allocates
a logical storage space to the user), and passes the file for
printing to the printer unit only on a command from the user
interface, which command identifies the relevant job. Also, on
receipt of a scanning job and subsequently activating the job on
the user interface, the apparatus stores the data generated by the
scanner unit in the existing or dynamically allocated logical
storage space of the relevant user, to be accessed via the
workstation of the relevant user on a command from the latter
workstation. Other files, such as sets of adjustment parameters for
printing or scanning processes, can also be stored in the logical
storage spaces and may be manipulated via the user interface.
[0008] In the known system, when a user arrives at the operator
control unit, he has to identify the relevant printing or scanning
job by selecting the respective logical storage space and accessing
it, select the relevant print job, and operate the print key.
Printing jobs thus require several actions, which, moreover, must
be done accurately.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method
and apparatus for rapidly and conveniently activating processing
jobs, so that a user is kept at the apparatus for as short a time
as possible.
[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the
object is achieved by a method of controlling document processing
that comprises the steps of identifying at least one kickstart
processing job from the processing jobs in the memory unit based on
kickstart criteria; providing, at the user interface unit, at least
one kickstart control element; indicating, at the user interface
unit for each kickstart control element, a kickstart processing job
coupled to the respective kickstart control element; and initiating
a kickstart processing job in the digital image reproduction
device, when the respective kickstart control element has been
activated by a user.
[0011] According to a second aspect of the invention the object is
achieved with a digital image reproduction device, wherein the
management unit is arranged for identifying at least one kickstart
processing job from the processing jobs in the memory unit based on
kickstart criteria; providing, at the user interface unit, at least
one kickstart control element; indicating, at the user interface
unit for each kickstart control element, a kickstart processing job
coupled to the respective kickstart control element; and initiating
a kickstart processing job in the digital image reproduction
device, when the respective kickstart control element has been
activated by a user.
[0012] According to a third aspect of the invention the object is
achieved with a computer program product for performing the
method.
[0013] The word kickstart indicates a way of immediately activating
at least one job by a simple and direct user action. Hence the
kickstart control element is a control element, e.g. a soft button
on the user interface, which is provided on the digital image
reproduction device for the user to immediately activate a
processing job the user most likely wishes to start first according
to the kickstart criteria, which criteria are indicative of the
likelihood, e.g. the importance, urgency or age of respective
processing jobs. The measures have the following effect. Several
users may submit processing jobs to the digital image reproduction
device via the memory unit, and one may subsequently walk to the
digital image reproduction device. The management unit selects
processing jobs based on the kickstart criteria, e.g. recent jobs
or jobs of important users, and generates the kickstart control
elements coupled to respective selected processing jobs. When the
user arrives at the digital document processing apparatus, the user
can immediately detect the kickstart control element having his/her
processing job assigned. Advantageously, the job can be started
immediately by the user by simply activating the kickstart control
element. The advantage of the measures is that the amount of user
input for operating the digital image reproduction device is
significantly reduced.
[0014] The kickstart jobs according to the inventive concept may
include any of a plurality of job types that have in common that
they are defined at a remote place and transmitted to the device.
Examples are printing a print file that has been sent from a user
workstation, scanning in accordance with a set of device settings
that has been defined at a user workstation and sent to the device,
etc.
[0015] The invention is also based on the following recognition.
When designing printing or scanning devices for business purposes
it is important that functions of such devices are quickly and
easily accessible. Therefore, the above-described background art
system was designed, wherein processing jobs are activated by the
user (owner) arriving at the digital image reproduction device.
However, the activation procedure at the device console for
activating a specific job still has several steps, that take more
time when a relatively large number of users are sharing the same
digital image reproduction device. The inventors of the present
invention have seen that a user usually decides to walk to the
digital image reproduction device shortly after submitting a job.
The user may accumulate a few jobs first, but usually still decides
to walk shortly after submitting the last one. Hence, the users
arriving at the digital image reproduction device usually have
recently submitted a job. According to the present invention,
recently submitted jobs (from all pending jobs) are selected
according to kickstart criteria such as time since submission of
the job, and are assigned kickstart control elements. In this
situation there is a high probability that the user arriving at the
digital image reproduction device will find his/her personal
kickstart control element on the user interface, e.g. a soft button
carrying the persons name or job name. This has the advantage that
a user's print job created at a workstation can be quickly and
easily executed, when the user activates the kickstart element at
the digital document processing apparatus.
[0016] In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, the
step of initiating the kickstart processing job comprises at least
one of: accessing the logical storage space containing the
initiated kickstart processing job; executing the initiated
kickstart processing job; and deleting the initiated kickstart
processing job from the respective logical storage space. In a
further embodiment, wherein the kickstart job is a scan job, the
method includes executing the initiated kickstart processing job;
and storing a digital document in a respective one of the logical
storage spaces according to the initiated kickstart processing job.
The initiated processing job, for example a printing or scanning
job, has to be executed, which usually requires access to the
respective logical storage space. Deleting the job after executing
the job has the advantage that the logical storage space does not
contain old, already executed jobs.
[0017] Also, the user may be identified before executing commands
or jobs, e.g. by requesting a user identification code or tag, and
an optional authentication. This has the advantage that security or
privacy of users or jobs may be enhanced, or specific rights of the
user may be verified or adhered to.
[0018] In an embodiment of the method of the present invention,
wherein the memory unit is arranged for managing a dynamic set of
logical storage spaces for the processing jobs, each storage space
dedicated to a respective user of the system, the step of
initiating the kickstart processing job comprises providing, at the
user interface, a mailbox interface for manipulating the respective
logical storage space containing the initiated kickstart processing
job. The mailbox interface is a graphical user interface for
accessing and controlling data in the logical storage space
assigned to the owner of the mailbox, e.g. like a familiar mailbox
type interface having a number of items waiting to be retrieved or
executed and corresponding control functions. Advantageously the
user gets access to his mailbox by activating a single kickstart
control element.
[0019] In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, the
step of initiating the kickstart processing job comprises, when a
further processing job is being executed and in dependence of
interrupt criteria, any one of the steps of: interrupting the
further processing job that is being executed, executing the
initiated kickstart processing job, and continuing the further
processing job; executing the initiated kickstart processing job in
an interleaved mode with the further processing job that is being
executed; inserting the initiated kickstart processing job in a
queue of processing jobs waiting for execution, in a particular
case immediately after the further processing job that is being
executed.
[0020] When an already running job is interrupted by a new job
started by activating the kickstart control element, the total
waiting time may be improved, e.g. when the running job is a
background job or a very long job. Applying an interleave mode
processes multiple jobs at the same time, although at reduced
individual printing speed. Alternatively, the kickstart job may be
inserted in a queue of jobs waiting for execution, for example when
the interrupt criteria indicate that the current job may not be
slowed down. Furthermore, the location of the new job in the queue
may be affected. Changing the processing order in queues has the
advantage that the user may selectively use privileges or get
priority.
[0021] In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, the
step of initiating the kickstart processing job comprises detecting
a specific activation of the kickstart control element by the user
like double activation or continuous activation in a predefined
time period. This has the advantage that the user may affect the
operation of the kickstart control element, e.g. for getting
priority or selecting multiple jobs.
[0022] In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, the
step of identifying at least one kickstart processing job comprises
detecting the age of the processing jobs in the memory unit as
kickstart criteria, in a particular case the at least one kickstart
processing job including the processing job having the lowest age.
Furthermore, by providing a plurality of kickstart control elements
arranged in dependence of said detected age of the kickstart
processing jobs coupled to the respective kickstart control
elements, the most recent jobs will be on top of the
arrangement.
[0023] This has the advantage that, while using a limited number of
kickstart control elements, the chance of availability of a
kickstart control element for a user arriving at the digital image
reproduction device is increased. Additionally, a time interval
after the processing job has been submitted may be detected as a
kickstart criteria, e.g. a time interval equal to the minimum time
the respective user needs to move from the workstation to the
digital image reproduction device. This has the effect that,
especially in busy times, a kickstart control element will not be
claimed as long as the owner of a job is not able to start it.
[0024] In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, the
step of providing at least one kickstart control element comprises
removing a kickstart control element coupled to a kickstart
processing job that is to be replaced by a different kickstart
processing job according to the kickstart criteria by indicating
that replacement of the kickstart processing job is imminent, in a
particular case by at least one of: gradually fading away the
kickstart control element; gradually moving the kickstart control
element across a border of a display area; gradually changing a
color of the kickstart control element. This has the advantage that
the user is made aware that a kickstart control element is being
removed, which prevents accidentally activating an unintended
kickstart control element.
[0025] In yet another embodiment, a user may himself configure the
effect of activating a kickstart control element for his own jobs.
Also, the user may be enabled to configure the appearance of his
kickstart control elements, e.g. by uploading a personal image of
the user to be displayed on it, for easy recognition. Preferably,
configuration should be possible from the user's workstation.
[0026] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are
not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a digital image reproduction device;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the constituent parts of a digital
image reproduction device in a networked system;
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of controlling document
processing in a networked system via kickstart control
elements;
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a user interface having kickstart control
elements; and
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates setting of a kickstart user profile.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The Figures are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. In the
Figures, elements which correspond to elements already described
have the same reference numerals.
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a digital image reproduction device 1 for
processing jobs, on which the different parts are separately shown
in diagram form. The documents are usually paper documents, but may
include any type of sheets for carrying information, e.g. overhead
sheets, books, drawings, etc.
[0035] The apparatus has a printer unit 130 which includes an
electro-photographic processing section known per se, in which a
photoconductive medium is charged, exposed via an LED array in
accordance with digital image data, and is developed with toner
powder. The toner image is then transferred and fixed on an image
support, usually a sheet of paper. A stock of image supports in
different formats and orientations is available in a supply section
140. The image supports with the toner image are transported to the
finishing and delivery section 150, which if necessary collects
them into sets and staples them and then deposits them in the
delivery tray 151.
[0036] The digital image reproduction device may be a printer only,
but preferably is a multi-functional device further including
scanning, copying or faxing functions, e.g. a versatile copier. A
document feeder 110 is provided with an input tray 111 for the
introduction of a stack of documents, a transport mechanism (not
shown) for transporting the documents one by one along a scanner
unit 120, and a delivery tray 112, in which the documents are
placed after scanning.
[0037] A further delivery unit, e.g. a finisher for collating and
stapling documents, may be coupled to the device.
[0038] The scanner unit 120 includes a flat bed scanner provided
with a glass platen on which an original document can be placed, a
CCD array and an imaging unit having a movable mirror and lens
system for imaging the document on the CCD array. In these
conditions, the CCD array generates electrical signals, which are
converted into digital image data in manner known per se.
[0039] The control unit of the apparatus is shown diagrammatically
by reference numeral 170, and explained in more detail in sub-units
12, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 with reference to FIG. 2. A cable 171
may connect the control unit 170 via a network unit 15, 16 to a
local network 10 (shown in FIG. 2). The network may be wired, but
may also be partly or completely wireless.
[0040] The apparatus has a user interface 160, for example
including an operator control panel provided on the apparatus for
operation thereof. The user interface may be provided with a
display and keys. According to the present invention the user
interface has at least one kickstart control element 161, which is
sensitive to activation by a user, and provides an electronic
signal to the control unit 170. A number of kickstart control
elements may be provided as buttons with labels that show the
kickstart processing job assigned to the button. Alternatively, the
kickstart control elements may be provided on a touch screen
display as soft buttons (see FIG. 4), or in any other way that
allows adapting an indication of the function. The operation of the
kickstart control element and examples are described below with
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of the constituent parts of a
document processing apparatus in a networked system. In FIG. 2,
control connections are indicated by means of thin arrows and data
transport connections by means of thick arrows. The apparatus 1, a
multi-functional copier, comprises a basic unit 2 which contains a
scanner unit 3, a printer unit 4, a set memory 5 and a control unit
6 for these units, hereinafter termed the CopyController. The basic
unit 2 contains the units and functions required for making a
simple copy. During the scanning of an original document, the
scanner 3 generates digital image data and stores them in the set
memory 4, whereafter the printer 5 reads out the image data from
the set memory 4 and prints them on an image support, usually a
sheet of paper. This process is controlled by the CopyController 6.
The set memory 4 in this description may also include image
processing functions, although this is not essential to the present
invention and is therefore not explained further.
[0042] The apparatus 1 also includes a number of units required to
print digital image data which are fed via a local network 10 from
a network environment, and for exporting digital image data
generated by the scanner 3 to the network environment via the same
local network 10. The network system or environment as used here
includes one or more user workstations (WS) 11a, 11b, 11c, on which
a program is operative for communication with the apparatus
according to the present invention, and which are also connected to
the local network 10. In addition, one or more server stations may
be coupled to the networked system, and provide central services,
such as storing user data or access rights as explained below.
[0043] The apparatus 1 is provided with a management unit 12,
hereinafter referred to as the: JobManager, which manages the
document processing processes and also updates an administration
system for all the copying, scanning and print jobs present. A
UserInterface (UI) 13 is provided with an operator control panel on
the apparatus housing, with a display and keys for operation of the
apparatus 1. A kickstart control unit 14 is provided for entering
kickstart commands, e.g. buttons or a touch screen. Furthermore,
the apparatus has a network unit including an InputHandler (IH) 15
for receiving and transmitting digital data reaching the apparatus
via the network 10 from the network environment and an
OutputHandler (OH) 16 for sending digital data via the network 10
to the digital environment. The JobManager 12 is logically
connected to the workstations I1 a-c indicated diagrammatically by
direct broken-line arrows.
[0044] The apparatus 1 may have a storage unit 20 formed by a
high-capacity hard disk, and a unit 21 hereinafter referred to as a
JobServer, for managing the data files on the storage unit 20 and
for controlling the processing processes. The electronic control of
the apparatus may further include a control unit 25 hereinafter
referred to as a PrintHandler, which is dedicated to controlling a
printing process, and a control unit 26 hereinafter referred to as
a ScanHandler, which is dedicated to controlling a scanning
process, an accounting and security unit 27, which inter alia
manages the authorization of users and access codes, a conversion
unit 28 for converting digital data files to different formats.
Note that these functions may also be centrally accommodated in a
server station.
[0045] The networked system includes a memory system 191 that
provides a dynamic set of logical storage spaces. The storage
spaces are dynamically assigned to respective users for storing
their document processing items, such as print jobs or scan jobs,
that they have submitted to the apparatus from their workstation. A
print job generally contains image data defining document and print
process settings, such as, e.g., simplex/duplex and number of
copies. A scan job generally contains a set of scan process
settings, such as, e.g., resolution and file name and format. Upon
execution of a scan job, the scan file generated in the process is
stored in the user's storage space. The logical storage space for a
user, also called a mailbox, provides a temporary storage for that
user's jobs. Note that the jobs may be deleted after execution, or
may be maintained for later use. The memory system may be
accommodated in a server station (SS) 19, or in the apparatus 1,
e.g. by the JobManager 12 and physically storing the jobs on the
storage unit 20. The logical storage space is a data space that is
temporarily assigned to a user as long as there are jobs to be
stored for that user, e.g. print jobs sent to a specific printer.
As soon as all jobs have been executed and/or removed, the mailbox
may automatically be deleted.
[0046] The workstation 11a has a network unit 17 for communicating
via the network 10 for connecting the workstation to the digital
document processing apparatus 1 and/or the server station 19.
Furthermore, the workstation has a control unit 18 for creating a
print job related to a digital document at the workstation. Digital
data files that are submitted to the apparatus 1 via the network
for printing may be of a direct printing type, i.e. jobs to be
printed automatically without further action on the part of an
operator at the apparatus. Processing jobs of a so-called
interactive type are entered via the networked system into the
logical storage space of the user, and are not executed until an
operator request at the digital image reproduction device. The type
of job is determined at the workstation of the user, and is
apparent from an attribute added to the data transferred. Handling
of interactive processing jobs, and accommodating the logical
storage spaces for users, is extensively described in the
above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,545,769 or U.S. Pat. No.
5,825,988.
[0047] According to the present invention, the digital image
reproduction device has a user interface unit 13 for controlling
the processing jobs that are stored in the logical storage space
and waiting to be executed; and a management unit 12 arranged for
providing, at the user interface unit, control elements for a user
to select a processing job from the processing jobs in the logical
storage space and executing the selected processing job by
processing documents in the digital image reproduction device. A
processing job may for example be printing or scanning a document,
and may include further functions such as copying, faxing or
emailing. Thereto, the management unit 12 communicates with the
memory system 191 which stores the processing jobs that have been
submitted. The memory system 191 is arranged for managing the
processing jobs in at least one logical storage space, usually
called a mailbox or queues containing the processing jobs that are
waiting to be executed.
[0048] In particular, the management unit is arranged for
identifying at least one kickstart processing job from the
processing jobs in the memory unit based on kickstart criteria.
Basically, the management unit thereto applies the kickstart
criteria to all processing jobs waiting in the different logical
storage spaces. For example, the kickstart criteria may include the
age of the jobs, i.e. the time period that has lapsed since the job
has been submitted. The most recent jobs may be identified as
kickstart processing jobs.
[0049] Subsequently, the management unit 12 provides, at the user
interface unit, at least one kickstart control element, e.g. a soft
button, and assigns a kickstart processing job to each kickstart
control element. On the user interface unit, e.g. on a display
screen, the management unit indicates, for each kickstart control
element, a kickstart processing job coupled to the respective
kickstart control element.
[0050] When the respective kickstart control element has been
activated by a user, the management unit initiates the respective
kickstart processing job in the digital image reproduction device.
For executing a kickstart print job (e.g. called a "kickscan" job),
the data for printing included in the job are retrieved from the
logical storage space of the user. For executing a kickstart scan
job, the scan process settings are retrieved from the logical
storage space of the user, whereas the data obtained by scanning a
document may be stored in the local memory, e.g. under a
pre-selected filename, or in a user's mailbox. Other types of
kickstart processing jobs, such as faxing, copying, emailing,
device cleaning or maintenance, testing, etc, may require further
document handling, data transfer and/or processing known as such. A
kickstart processing job may be performed according to predefined
settings, e.g. a general or personal profile, like a personal scan
profile for a kickscan job. It is to be noted that any type of
processing job may be prepared or selected at a user workstation
and submitted or scheduled for kickstart execution to the digital
image reproduction device.
[0051] The digital image reproduction device may physically be
equipped to perform, at least partly, the functions of the memory
system 191, e.g. having a hard disk unit and controller for
physically storing print files associated to print jobs.
[0052] The digital image reproduction device usually has a delivery
unit such as a tray or finisher for delivering processed documents
on one side of the device. In an embodiment of the device, the at
least one kickstart control element is located on the user
interface unit remote from the delivery unit, i.e. at the other
side with respect to the location of the delivery of documents.
This allows easy access to the kickstart control element for a new
user that walks up to the device while another user has already
started a job and is waiting for the delivery of the processed
documents, usually near the delivery unit.
[0053] Usually, the digital image reproduction device has a printer
unit 4. It is noted that the kickstart processing job may be
defined as a workflow or set of sub-jobs. For example, the
kickstart processing job may include the most recent print job of
the user as its first sub-job, and the earlier submitted jobs as
further sub-jobs. Then the management unit 12 may first detect a
print job in the kickstart processing job that has been started by
the user activating the kickstart control element, and subsequently
first execute the print job via the printer unit 4. Furthermore,
processing sub-jobs may consecutively be started, or may be
presented for confirmation by the user.
[0054] In addition, the digital image reproduction device may
include a scanner unit 3. The management unit 12 may be arranged
for detecting a scan job in the initiated kickstart processing job
and executing the scan job by scanning a physical document entered
in the scanner unit 3, and for storing the image file generated in
the scanning in the logical storage space of the user who activated
the kickstart processing job. It is noted that the management unit
may detect the presence of documents to be scanned and subsequently
automatically start the scan job. A print job included in the
kickstart processing job assigned to the kickstart control element
may be started immediately, and may be executed in parallel with a
scan job.
[0055] FIG. 3 shows a method of controlling document processing in
a networked system via kickstart control elements in accordance
with the present invention. The networked system has been described
above with reference to FIG. 2. The method has the following steps.
A first step SET_UI 30 provides, at the user interface unit 13,
control elements for a user to select a processing job from the
processing jobs in the logical storage space. The control elements
may include standard buttons to start print or copy jobs, or to
access a user's mailbox. When a user manipulates the standard
control elements as indicated in step USER_ACT 34, the method
branches via ST to step SEL 35. The standard user interface allows
the user to further select a processing job as indicated in step
SEL. In step EXEC 36 the selected processing job is executed by
processing documents in the digital image reproduction device.
[0056] According to the present invention, the method proceeds
after the initial setting of the user interface at step SET_UI, to
a step IDENT_KJ 31, which accesses the memory system (MEM) 191 and
identifies at least one kickstart processing job among the
processing jobs waiting for execution in the memory unit. The
identifying is based on kickstart criteria for selecting a limited
number of kickstart processing jobs, the number corresponding to a
pre-programmed number of available kickstart control elements. If
there are no jobs matching the kickstart criteria, the list of
kickstart control elements is empty. If not empty, the next step
KCE 32 provides, at the user interface unit 13, at least one
kickstart control element. For example, kickstart control elements
are colored areas on a touch screen, or labels on a display for
buttons near the display. Next, in step INDIC_KJ 33, a display
indication like a user name and/or job name is coupled to the
respective kickstart control element at the user interface unit for
each kickstart control element. When, at USER_ACT 34, the
respective kickstart control element has been activated by a user,
the method branches via KS to step START_KJ 37, which initiates the
selected kickstart processing job in the digital image reproduction
device.
[0057] The step START_KJ 37 may include one or more of the
following detailed actions, depending on a chosen implementation.
The initiated kickstart processing job may be executed
unconditionally, or depending on further conditions, e.g. user
rights or settings. For retrieving or storing details, files or
settings of the initiated processing job, the logical storage space
containing the initiated kickstart processing job may be accessed.
When the initiated kickstart processing job is a print job, the
corresponding digital document is retrieved from a respective one
of the logical storage spaces, rasterized and printed. When the
initiated kickstart processing job includes a scan job, the scanner
is set according to the settings specified in the job as stored in
the respective one of the logical storage spaces, the scan process
is started and the digital document created by scanning is stored,
e.g. in the relevant logical storage space. The initiated kickstart
processing job may be deleted from the respective logical storage
space. Furthermore, a window or pop-up menu may be opened when a
kickstart control element is activated, e.g. on top of other
elements of the GUI, for providing further control elements for the
respective user. The window may be manipulated (e.g. minimized) by
the user.
[0058] The user associated to the initiated kickstart processing
job may be further identified, and optionally authenticated, based
on a detection of a dedicated user feature, like fingerprint
recognition, voice recognition, processing of an image provided by
a camera, or detecting a user tag, e.g. a radio frequency
identification unit (RFID tagged badge, or an RFID device worn
externally or inside a person, e.g. injected in ones arm). The
digital image reproduction device may automatically show kickstart
control elements for the user as identified. In a particular case,
the user authentication is based on requesting an authentication
code (like a PIN or job number). The accessing of the logical
storage space and/or executing the initiated kickstart processing
job may be performed in accordance with rights of the user as
identified.
[0059] As described above, the memory system 191 may be arranged
for managing a dynamic set of logical storage spaces for the
processing jobs, each storage space dedicated to a respective user
of the system, usually called mailbox. The step START_KJ 37 may
further include mailbox operations, in addition to executing the
initiated kickstart processing job. At the user interface, a
mailbox interface of the user may be opened for manipulating the
respective logical storage space containing the initiated kickstart
processing job, i.e. the user who submitted the selected kickstart
processing job is identified and the corresponding mailbox is
opened automatically.
[0060] In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, the
step START_KJ 37 is performed in dependence of interrupt criteria.
A further processing job that is being executed may be interrupted
and temporarily halted in one of the following ways. Interrupt may
be made dependent on interrupt criteria like the remaining length
of the currently running job, and/or the expected time required for
the new job. When only a small part of a running job remains, no
interrupt is allowed. An interrupt algorithm may decide which jobs
may interrupt the running job. In this algorithm, there is a notion
of "fair." An example of an unfair interrupt job is a 100-page job
that interrupts a running job that has only 5 pages to go. For
example fair may be defined as:
#pages interrupting job<#pages to go running job/2
[0061] Instead of the number of pages, the processing time may be
used as a criterion for allowing or disallowing interrupt. The
processing time may be calculated according to well-known methods,
that do not per se form part of the present invention, based on the
engine speed (pages per minute), rasterizing time (very complex
pages may take longer to rasterize than the engine speed allows and
result in page delays) and possible other engine-related time
constraints. Furthermore, a fixed non-interruptable portion at the
end of a job, or a maximum processing delay time, either defined as
a fixed value or as a percentage of the total processing time of
the job to be interrupted, may be pre-defined or pre-set by an
operator in the user interface.
[0062] In a further embodiment, interrupt between the two images of
duplex pages is prevented, for obvious reasons.
[0063] Normally the kickstart buttons refer to the last submitted
jobs of five distinct users. However, when the engine is printing,
the kickstart buttons may refer only to submitted jobs that are
allowed to interrupt the running job. The restriction has the
effect that while the running job reaches completion the number of
allowed kickstart jobs decreases and in the end there are no
kickstart buttons left (there are no fair interrupt jobs left). It
is noted that, to indicate that a kickstart control element is
currently not functional, it may be minimized, shaded or have a
different color. Besides adapting the kickstart buttons, the jobs
in the mailbox allowed to interrupt the running job, may have a
different (background) color. Also, a separate interrupt indicator
may be provided, e.g. a simple LED, for indicating that the running
job may be interrupted, i.e. that it may be fair to interrupt the
running job via the kickstart control. Users waiting at some
distance from the UI can see that the running job can be
interrupted.
[0064] The initiated kickstart processing job may be executed, and
subsequently the further processing job is to be resumed. The
initiated kickstart processing job may be performed in an
interleaved mode with the further processing job, e.g.
alternatingly printing pages (or small groups of pages) and guiding
the pages to respective delivery units. Preferably, a status is
displayed indicating which job and/or delivery unit is active, e.g.
via the status indicator 43, that will be described below with
reference to FIG. 4.
[0065] Furthermore, the initiated kickstart processing job may be
inserted in a queue of processing jobs prior to at least one
further processing job waiting to be executed, i.e. getting a
higher priority due to activating the kickstart control element.
The GUI may show the queue of jobs scheduled for execution, e.g. a
list or collapsed to a number of jobs and waiting time indication.
Moreover, the step of initiating the kickstart processing job may
include detecting a specific activation of the kickstart control
element by the user, like double activation or continuous
activation in a predefined time period. For example, by a single
activation, the kickstart processing job may be planned after the
current running job, or at the end of the queue, while the double
activation or continuous activation immediately starts the
kickstart processing job by (temporarily) halting the running job,
or inserts the job in the queue at high priority.
[0066] The step IDENT_KJ 31 of identifying at least one kickstart
processing job may comprise the following. The age of the
processing jobs in the memory unit is detected and applied as
kickstart criteria. For example, the kickstart processing jobs that
are assigned to the available kickstart control element includes
the processing job having the lowest age. Furthermore a time
interval after the processing job has been submitted may be
detected as kickstart criteria. There is always a time interval
before the user may arrive, even if he immediately walks to the
digital image reproduction device after submitting the job. The
time interval may be set, in general or for each user individually,
to the minimum time the respective user needs to move from the
workstation to the digital image reproduction device.
[0067] The step KCE 32 of providing at least one kickstart control
element may include providing a plurality of kickstart control
elements arranged in dependence of said detected age of the
kickstart processing jobs coupled to the respective kickstart
control elements. For example, the most recent job may always have
a predefined position, e.g. the top position of a row of kickstart
control elements. However, if a same user submits a second job,
both jobs may be assigned to the same kickstart control element,
while the kickstart control element may have the ranking according
to the most recently submitted job.
[0068] The step KCE 32 of providing at least one kickstart control
element may further include the removal of a kickstart control
element coupled to a kickstart processing job that is to be
replaced by a different kickstart processing job according to the
kickstart criteria. It may further indicate that replacement of the
kickstart processing job is imminent. For example the removal may
be made visible by gradually fading away the kickstart control
element, gradually moving the kickstart control element across a
border of a display, and/or gradually changing a color of the
kickstart control element. Also an audible warning may be produced,
in particular if the kickstart control element is activated shortly
after a change, and a confirmation may be asked.
[0069] In a further embodiment, the method according to the present
invention may include providing at least one kickstart user
profile, and arranging one or more of the steps described above in
dependence of profile criteria defined in the kickstart user
profile. For example, a user may set in his profile that all
pending jobs must be processed, or that only the most recent job
must be processed.
[0070] In general, the operation of the digital image reproduction
device may further be affected by functions implemented at the user
workstation. For example, a user kickstart profile may be set at
the workstation. The user may open a mailbox on the workstation and
review any pending processing jobs. On a display of the workstation
it may be indicated that a kickstart control element is currently
assigned to a processing job submitted by a user, e.g. as a
dedicated icon on a desktop or taskbar, or as an indicator or color
in a list of submitted, pending processing jobs in a user's
mailbox. User commands, or a user behavior pattern indicative of
the user intending to initiate a processing job, may be detected,
and said detection may subsequently be included in the kickstart
criteria. For example, the software may generate a button on the
user's workstation display, which on activation signifies to the
server system that the user intends to walk to the digital image
reproduction device. When the user indicates he wants to print from
the desktop, this could place him for a certain time, e.g. 5
minutes, in the kickstart list. Such an action may also imply a
digital image reproduction device wake-up from sleep mode.
[0071] A user behavior pattern may be detected as follows. The
device recognizes patterns in the print behavior of the users and
will put users in the kickstart list according to the chance that
they will start printing soon. Some people walk to the printer for
every single job, while others collect after a number of jobs.
Thereto a (background) software function may detect the submitting
of a processing job by a user and, in a subsequent period of a
predetermined length, detect the absence of the user, and
subsequently include the absence in the kickstart criteria.
Furthermore, the submitting of a processing job by a user may be
delayed to affect the kickstart criteria until, in a subsequent
period of at least a predetermined length, the absence of the user
has been detected. The absence may for example be detected by a
lack of user interaction with the workstation like keyboard or
mouse activity, signals from a sensor coupled to the workstation
such as a camera or microphone, or a change of operational mode of
the workstation such as activation of a screen saver, keyboard or
device lock, or a different power mode. For example, the user may
lock his keyboard when leaving the room, or switch his computer to
a standby mode.
[0072] FIG. 4 shows a user interface having kickstart control
elements. The Figure shows a display 40 as part of a graphical user
interface (GUI) of a digital image reproduction device, for example
a touch screen. A number of control elements are provided on the
display, for example numerical buttons 44 and a start button 45. A
central area 42 provides a variable display area for information to
the operators of the device. In the Figure the area 42 shows on the
left a list of users that are sharing the device, while
highlighting one user (identified by the code "jfja"). The area 42
shows on the right the mailbox of the highlighted user. In the
upper part of the display 40 a status indicator 43 is provided,
which schematically shows the apparatus and the status of two
available document processing units, e.g. delivery units both
currently showing the status "ready". The status may for example
change to "printing" when in operation, "paused" when interrupted,
or "error" when a fault condition occurs. On the left side of the
display 40 a number of kickstart control elements 41 is shown. Each
element indicates the kickstart processing job coupled thereto by
showing the user code (for example MOA) and the job name (for
example Technical Memo.sub.--2005 . . . ). In addition, or
alternatively, the kickstart control elements 41 may show a
personal image (e.g. a photograph) of the user who submitted the
job, for easy recognition.
[0073] The kickstart button 41 is an extreme speed up to print the
last submitted job for a user. In the Figure, a list of five
kickstart buttons is displayed on the left of the GUI display. The
top five distinct users who have recently submitted a job (not
printed yet) are in this kickstart list. The text in the kickstart
button contains the name of the user and the name of the last
submitted job. The user can start the job with one push on the
kickstart.
[0074] The default behavior of a kickstart button may be as
follows: It prints the last submitted job and it opens the mailbox
of the user. When the job is printing it will disappear from the
kickstart button list. If the user has a pincode on the mailbox or
on the job these will be asked for. To keep the level of security
high there will be no job name in the kickstart button if either a
mailbox or job pin exists.
[0075] The kickstart buttons are positioned on the left side for
two reasons. First, the western society thinks from left to right
so a user will find it fast. Second, by placing them on a position
remote from the output units, they are more suitable for activating
jobs in interrupt or interleave mode by a second person at the
device. The first user, waiting for his prints to appear, will
usually take in a position near the finisher at the right side of
the apparatus.
[0076] In an embodiment, on the GUI, the user who's mailbox is open
will not appear in the kickstart control elements to maximize the
number of different users with direct access to their jobs.
[0077] In a further embodiment, called frozen kickstart, e.g. for
supporting a meeting, a user or administrator of the device can
assign one or more kickstart control elements to a certain mailbox,
or one or more selected processing jobs, for a certain time. The
frozen kickstart control element for example allows access to a
shared mailbox from which one or more documents may be printed
multiple times by different users. The feature of a shared mailbox
is in itself very handy for support of meetings by assuring that
all members have the same set of meeting documents, arranged in the
same order. Connecting that shared mailbox to a frozen kickstart
control element further improves user convenience.
[0078] In a further embodiment, a list of users who have jobs in
their mailbox is displayed at the GUI, and has a default focus on
the middle of the list. By focusing on the middle of the list, the
number of steps for users who are not displayed in the visible part
of the list is minimized. Furthermore, users having a kickstart
control element assigned (which also opens the mailbox) may
temporarily be excluded from the list.
[0079] FIG. 5 shows setting a kickstart user profile. The Figure
shows a window 51 to be displayed either on a display of a
workstation, or on the GUI of the digital image reproduction
device. In the area 52 a number of settings are shown for adjusting
the operation of the kickstart control element to the user's
personal preferences, or as a general setting for a company or
department. The kickstart function may be set to print all new
documents, or to print only the last new document, and, after
printing, to delete the documents. Furthermore, a PIN code may be
set. If a user has a pin code on his mailbox the name of the job
will not be visible in the kickstart button. If the user presses
the kickstart button, the system asks for the mailbox pin code in a
dialog.
[0080] The user may further set a job level pin code (not shown).
If a job is printed with a pin code the name of the job will not be
visible in the kickstart button. If the user presses the kickstart
button, the job pin code will be asked for. If a kickstart is
pressed and there exist both a job pin and a mailbox pin, the job
pin will be asked first, so the engine can start printing and then
the mailbox pin is asked to open the mailbox.
[0081] Using a desktop application and the window, users can
configure the personal behavior of their kickstart button. Options
may include: [0082] Print without opening mailbox. This is
attractive in combination with delete after print; [0083] Do not
show jobs as kickstart (enable/disable), e.g. for confidential
jobs; [0084] The ability to upload a personal image which will be
displayed on the kickstart button. This might make it easier to
find the button; [0085] Don't print the job, just open mailbox (and
focus on most recent job); and [0086] Show only username in
Kickstart Oob name always hidden).
[0087] Some issues have been noted regarding the dynamic behavior
of the kickstart buttons. Suppose a new job is submitted by a new
user X that is not in the kickstart button list yet. He is added
automatically to the top of the kickstart list. At the same time,
another user Y will drop from the bottom of the list. When a user Z
prints a job from the kickstart list, the kickstart control element
Z will be removed from the list. As the kickstart list will display
the top five kickstart processing jobs, Y will be back at the
bottom of the list. User Y can even proceed to the topmost position
in the list. Due to this property of the kickstart button list
users can kickstart much older jobs than might have been
expected.
[0088] Also, in interrupt printing, kickstart control elements
operate well. Interrupting, i.e. pausing a current (long) job to
quickly print a smaller job for a second user, is a function that
is sensitive to social relations, because the device is being
shared. Kickstart makes the user interface barrier as small as
possible. With one click the current job is paused, the interleave
job is printed and the original job is resumed.
[0089] Although the invention has been mainly explained by
embodiments in a company environment, e.g. for printing in a
department, it is to be noted that the invention is also suitable
for document processing on a different scale, such as the public
commercial service, or a family printer shared by members of one
household. Furthermore, the kickstart function may be used in
multifunction devices or special printing devices like industrial
wide format printers. It is noted, that in this document the use of
the verb `comprise` and its conjugations does not exclude the
presence of other elements or steps than those listed and the word
`a` or `an` preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a
plurality of such elements, that any reference signs do not limit
the scope of the claims, that the invention and every unit or means
mentioned may be implemented by suitable hardware and/or software
and that several `means` or `units` may be represented by the same
item. Further, the scope of the invention is not limited to the
embodiments, and the invention lies in each and every novel feature
or combination of features described above.
[0090] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are intended to be included within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *